Wow -- I was bowled over by this re-release. First, to correct what I saw in an earlier review, The Macca is all over this cd, not just in the production, but that is clearly his and Linda's voices and instrumentation (including kazoo) at various points of the album. And what an album it is, brimming with joyful, playful, spirited big-band and swing versions of Ram, which remains his solo masterpiece. If you love Ram, get it. If you don't know Ram, get that first, then come over and pick up this loving tribute. A keeper.

I would be pretty sure than paul is playing drums, almost certainly bass, some guitar, piano and probably some band instruments. The strength of this album is that it's different. My favorite McCartney moments are when he's not scared to be someone other than Beatle Paul. He's been there , done that. I mean how can Mick Jagger and the boys continue to do the same thing over and over?
Ram is my favorite album by any artist, ever. These instrumental versions are nothing but fun. As a musician, I can identify trademark styles. Paul is not a great drummer but, boy, was he having fun on this album.
Next time you here this album, assume Paul is playing some of those crazy bass lines and pounding the drums. [With a bit of a glow on, I would think]

This is a cool little production from 1971 that Paul produced only (he doesn't appear on the music) for his album Ram. Paul was so taken with the finished results of Ram that before it was released, he hired Richard Hewson to arrange and conduct instrumental versions of each song. The sessions finally took place over three days in June (only a few weeks after the vinyl release of Ram) but remained shelved until '77. It seems when Paul is hiding behind someone else's name (Thrillington, Country Hams, McGear, Suzy & The Redstripes, Fireman), he's unafraid to take risks and the outcome is always something unique and wondeful. Give this album a spin for nothing more than the joy of Ram set to 'muzak'.

I just heard of this the other day. While I am a big Beatles fan, this one slipped by me.

I love Ram, happen to think it is Paul's best solo album. So I like this instrumental version, done in large part by the guy who did arrangements for Those Were the Days by Mary Hopkin, and Let It Be. Paul asked him to do a big band version of Ram in 1971 when Ram came out, but it wasn't released until 1977.

This big band version is kind of shmaltzy, kind of jazzy, kind of old-time jazzy.

If you like this kind of music and if you like Ram, you will probably like this.

Paul McCartney had everything to do with this recording.
He wrote the songs, he got the musicians together, he produced the album. Just because some people are disappointed, that does not mean it is not a McCartney album. This a definately a Paul McCartney album. If you like "Ram", then get "Thrillington".
I am a die hard Beatle music and McCartney music fan.
Don't tell me to pass this recording by. It is a must have for McCartney music fans. Oh yes, it is good music too.
Get this album and enjoy, you will never regret it.
All you need is love.